Utility credit card payments likely within a month

Lebanon utility customers will likely be able to begin paying by credit card within about a month.

City council voted Tuesday to approve a bid from Invoice Cloud to provide credit card payment services.

The ordinance still needs one more reading before it is finalized.

According to Robert Springer, commissioner of finance and revenue, the service would take about three to four weeks to set up and it would begin as very basic services.

Utility customers would be able to input their account number online, see the current amount due and pay that amount. Cashiers at the payment windows would also be able to accept the cards.

Springer explained that the initial service will be a transitional format until the departments begin using new software planned. After that becomes available, customers will be able to access additional details of their accounts online.

“Will you be able to branch it out into other departments?” asked Councilor Lanny Jewell.

Springer said that would likely be offered eventually.

“We thought, ‘Let’s get the utilities set up and working fine on them, and then we’ll look at other departments,’” said Springer.

He said he’s already spoken with police Chief Scott Bowen about eventually allowing traffic citations to be paid through the system. The police department already accepts credit card payments, but the city would look at consolidating it with other departments.

Council is due to consider the ordinance on second reading during a special called meeting Thursday at 5 p.m. at Town Hall.